Minneapolis & "The Quietest Place on Earth"

 

The yearly trip to HITEC - the world’s largest hospitality technology show - this year brought me to Minneapolis, MN, in the United States.

Since I’m always up for exploring a new place, I couldn’t resist to stay an extra day to make the 26h trip from Dubai a little more worthwhile - and it definitely was!

Minneapolis has a rich history as the milling capital of the US, owing to the Mississippi River running through the city, and is home to a few interesting sights.

As I only had a few hours, I didn’t take my camera along, so all the photos here are shot on iPhone XS.

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Bob Dylan

One of Minnesota’s most famous sons has his own mural in Minneapolis. It was commissioned by the buildings owner, and cost $50,000.

Blue Skies

Minneapolis has very cold winters - luckily, June is more pleasant.

River

The city owes a lot of its development to the Mississippi river.

Mill City Museum

The museum pays homage to the milling history of the city, which was a major driver for its economic development.

Damage

In 1878, a spark ignited airborne flour dust within the mill, creating a huge explosion that demolished a big part of the building and killed 18 workers instantly.

Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum

The Frank Gehry-designed building is located just on the river cliffs in the University district.

Crossing the River

Walking over the Stone Arch bridge, which originally opened in 1883.

Leftovers

The mill was rebuilt in 1880 as the largest in the world at the time, and ran until the 1960s. A fire gutted it in 1991, after which it was turned into a museum.

Water Power

Minneapolis developed around Saint Anthony Falls, the highest waterfall on the Mississippi River and a source of power for its early industry.

Revived

A view over the newly rebuilt mill district on the banks of the river, still showing the tunnels leading the water to the underground hydrpower generators.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

The 1897 church is one of many in the city.

Up

Minneapolis is home to a few interesting skyscrapers.

Orfied Laboratories

The studio is located outside the city in an inconspicious building.

Lobby Relicts

The entrance features copies of the recordings that were created in the studio, and even a poster of the movie "A Quiet Place", as the Anechoic Chamber was used to promote the release.

Directional Microphone

An impressive demo of the lab's directional microphone that allows to pinpoint the source and frequency of sound generated in the room.

Research

The lab provides all types of acoustic services, from product design and testing to building material selection and more.

Studio B

Tracks like Funky Town were recorded in this studio. Prince and Bob Dylan made records here as well.

Reverb Rooms

One of the lab's reverb rooms, with the metal plates acting as diffusors.

The Quietest Place on Earth

Until 2015, the Anechoic Chamber in the lab held the guiness world record for the quietest place on earth. I was able to spend 20min in side in total darkness and silence, and it's a humbling experience.

Man of Wisdom

Mike is one of the labs consultants and has worked there for 20 years, accummulating incredible knowledge.

New Orleans - Leave Your Dignity Behind

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Had a free day after HITEC 2016 in the Big Easy and walked around to get some shots.

Canal Street

One of the main arteries through the cities, with the traditional street cars.

Original Dishes

The Po-Boy, an original New Orleans sandwich. This is the alligator variant. Not too bad!

Plants and Balconies

New Orleans is famous for its many balconies - this is one of the nicer examples.

Andrew Jackson

The famous Andrew Jackson statue in the XXX park.

Familiar sight.

Not too uncommon to see.

Taking a Break

The streets are full of artists of all kinds, some weird than others.

Street Scene

Typical NOLA street.

Witchcraft, Magic, Voodoo...

The city didn't feel so magical to me...

More Street Scenes

Flowers, balconies and potholes.

Welcome to Louisiana

The home of real men.

Tattoos and other things.

Never been a fan.

Striking a pose

"I'm ready for my picture" he said, and earned himself a dollar.

Where they belong

No comment.

French Market

The french market, where you can buy all sorts of.. stuff.

Hot

If you feel like burning your taste buds, this is the place to go.

Police

...is everywhere as always. These guys were ensuring a bachelor party and their marching band made it through the streets safely.

More facades

Many of them re-done after Katrina.

The Guard

Still taking care of the bachelors...

4 Man Marching Band

Hired by the aforementioned bachelors and wandering through the streets with them.

Abundance

Unlike many other creatures on the streets, these guys seem to live a good and fat live.

Music

... is everywhere.

Summary of New Orleans

Music, Poetry, Art, Drama, Athletics. I could add a few more nouns...

Bavarian Takeover

Got to find a piece of home everywhere.

Staring

Not moved a muscle in minutes.

Sunset

Taken from the 42nd floor of the Marriott.

Rooftop Pools

Could make out quite a few. Not sure I'd want to join this one.

Sunset

Another shot overlooking Canal street.

(Canal) Street Car

Back and forth and back and forth...

Colourful Facades

What's in here?

Bourbon Street

Not my world.

Fireballs & Hurricanes

Tasty, I'm sure.

Bourbon Street

It could be quite beautiful. If it wasn't for the people and the smell.

Take a Look Inside

Jazz Bar on Bourbon Street.

All walks of life.

I wonder if they took a peek inside.

Just Do It

Seems to be some people's motto in this street.

Goals of Marriage

Maybe.

What Gandalf Needs

Never liked Lord of the Rings.

Colours on Wheels

A great sight when they're riding through the streets.

Blue

Wasn't the famous Spotted Cat though.

Street Musicians

All around!

Colours on Wheels

This time on the road.

Mine is Bigger than Yours

Love that deep sound.

Trumpets

In one of the bars on Frenchmen road.

The Audience

Isn't always big for these guys.

Street Musicians on Frenchmen

Dozens of people gathered on this intersection to listen to these guys.

Watching from Above

The many balconies are certainly one of the best spots to watch the streets of New Orleans.

Funk It

This guy knew how to play the guitar, no doubt.

Selfie

Can't go without it.

Street Markets

Hidden market somewhere in the French Quarter.

Random Things

Could not identify the scope of this shop.

Talent

Amazing voice - check her on Facebook! Spent 15min here.

The Future

Is not in your hands.

Guns

Less modern ones, this time.

Hot Sauce Bar

Taste at your own risk.